20th-Century Spanish Literature: From Novecento to Experimentalism
The Novecento (Generation of ’98)
The Novecento, also known as the Generation of ’98, was a literary group that emerged in Spain following the Spanish-American War of 1898. This group of writers shared a new sensibility, optimistic vitality, and a desire for modernization and Europeanization. Their narrative style was characterized by:
- Rejection of sentimentality
- A sense of balance and clarity
- Emphasis on selection and a minority spirit
- Intellectualism and the ideal of pure art
Key Figures of the Novecento:
Read More20th-Century Galician Literature: Prose, Theater, and Poetry
20th-Century Galician Literature
Prose
Narrative
Developers of the Century
These are the authors who published works before the Spanish Civil War:
- Garrido (Catmint, Tuesday as a Hooker)
- García-Barros (Continuation of Land)
- Abente-Lopez (The Scandal, Buserana Fleeing)
- Vaamonde-Lores (Wild Beasts, Ánxel)
The Narrators of Brotherhoods
- East Meis (Manech the Street, Esteban)
- Leandro Carré (Naiciña, Life Itself)
- Quintanilha (A Glass Eye, Saudade)
- Valledor (Tales of Christmas)
The Nós Group
The group name comes
Read MoreThe Avant-Garde and the Generation of ’27
The Avant-Garde Literary Movements in Spain
The first series of avant-garde literary movements were prominent in the first third of the 20th century, mostly originating outside of Spain. These avant-garde movements are also known as isms, due to the common suffix in their names. There were many movements, although most of them have almost disappeared. The most notable include: Surrealism, Creationism, Cubism, Ultraism, Dadaism, and Futurism.
Characteristics of the Avant-Garde
- Love of novelty
- Ephemeral
Catalan Poetry: From Noucentisme to Contemporary Trends
Noucentisme Poetry
Noucentisme was a Catalan cultural movement of the early 20th century that sought to promote a rational and ordered aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classical and popular traditions. Prominent poets of this movement included Guerau de Liost, Josep Maria Lopez-Picó, and Josep Carner.
Josep Carner
Josep Carner, known for his elegant and refined style, was a key figure in Noucentisme. His collection “Els Fruits Saborosos” (Tasty Fruits) explores various stages of human life through
Read MoreGolden Age Spanish Literature: Authors & Works
Golden Age Spanish Literature
Poetry
Garcilaso de la Vega (1st half of 16th Century)
Work: Sonnets, Eclogues (poetic compositions featuring shepherds)
Topics:
- Love: Indifference of the lady and the lover’s pain.
- Nature: Stylized environment where characters express their love sorrows.
Style: Clear, simple, and elegant with a focus on harmony. Predominantly hendecasyllabic verse. Alliteration and musicality through hyperbaton.
Fray Luis de León (1st half of 16th Century)
Work:
- Prose:
- Translations: Song of
Miguel de Cervantes & Don Quixote: Biography and Analysis
Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote
Biography
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616) was born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. He lived in Italy and participated in the Battle of Lepanto, where he was wounded in his left hand. Returning to Spain, his ship was captured by pirates, and he spent five years in captivity in Algiers. In Seville, he held the post of Commissioner in charge of providing food, a job that unfortunately led to imprisonment. He spent his last years in Valladolid and Madrid.